But recent scientific research claims that bottom trawling, a method of fishing that involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, emits about the same amount of carbon annually as aviation. Seabed sediments, which act as huge carbon sinks, are churned up, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions. So should trawling – commonplace around the globe because of its effectiveness – be reduced? And has the climate change impact of bottom trawling been exaggerated?

Presenters Neal Razzell and Graihagh Jackson are joined by:

Dr Enric Sala, explorer in residence, National Geographic

Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations

Minna Epps, director, Global Marine and Polar Programme

Domitilla Senni, senior campaigner, MedReAct

Producer: Darin Graham

Series producer: Rosamund Jones

Editor: Emma Rippon